Freeview is used in 40 per cent of UK homes with a television
MPs have delivered a chilling warning about Freeview’s future, declaring the beloved service is ‘under threat’ and demanding immediate government intervention to protect it for 16 million households across Britain. The service, which reaches into 40 per cent of UK homes that own a television and stands as the nation’s biggest TV platform, operates through traditional aerials.
The heated Westminster Hall debate on Thursday (September 4) saw MPs voice serious alarm about the service’s survival prospects. They stressed that the licences underpinning terrestrial television are set to run out in 2034, with the government yet to pledge their renewal – a move that could force television viewing exclusively online.
Tory MP David Mundell drove home the point: “Freeview is a universal service reaching 98.5 per cent of the UK population, including those in remote and rural areas. It is available at no additional cost over and above the licence fee. This is a crucial point: people do not need to pay any additional monthly bills to watch terrestrial TV; all they need is a TV set and an aerial,” reports Devon Live.
“The options for watching TV have broadened in the last few years, with the arrival of TV streaming over the internet, or IPTV, as it is known. Many of us enjoy those services, but the fact is that to do so, someone needs a high-speed fixed broadband subscription of sufficient speed and reliability, and not everyone has that.
“Millions of people are relying exclusively on mobile for access to the internet. Indeed, data from Citizens Advice suggested that, in 2022 alone, up to 1 million people cancelled their broadband subscription because of the high cost of living.”
He emphasised the importance of terrestrial TV, stating: “That is why terrestrial TV remains essential-because it is universal. Indeed, it is the guarantee of universalism in British broadcasting, and that is a priceless asset.
“Despite being a widely used and, in my view, essential service, it is currently under threat of being switched off within a decade. The licences that support terrestrial TV expire in 2034, and the Government have so far not provided a long-term commitment. Yet there is no need to consider switching off terrestrial TV in the mid-2030s, be that for political, technological or financial reasons.”
Labour’s Richard Quigley also weighed in on the issue, saying: “Three quarters of people say that terrestrial TV has helped to reduce loneliness, and among those aged 65 and over the figure rises to 87 per cent. Additionally, I worry that any decision to switch off terrestrial TV could further exacerbate the cost of living crisis and deepen existing inequalities in our communities.”
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Stephanie Peacock, said: “The way we watch TV is changing rapidly. Over the past decade, we have seen significant shifts in how content is delivered and consumed. Increasing numbers of viewers are moving to internet-based platforms, both for on demand content and, increasingly, for live programming.
“DTT is guaranteed until at least 2034. Before making any decisions, we will carefully consider the challenges for public service broadcasters and, importantly, the impact on loyal daily viewers, especially those who rely on digital terrestrial services.
“The cost of DTT to the PSBs is substantial. As fewer people rely on DTT, the cost per house is going up and will continue to do so. I am aware from my visits and meetings with providers that as part of the network reaches the end of life, investment would be needed to carry on even the current services.”
She acknowledged that certain ‘groups of people who are more likely to be digitally excluded’ exist. She also pointed out they are typically ‘older, living in rural areas, more likely to be on lower incomes living alone, or they may have a disability. Those are the people who rely most on television, not just for news and entertainment, but for connection and companionship’.
Ms Peacock did not guarantee the future of terrestrial television, revealing that the government was working closely with broadcasters and other stakeholders. She said: “We also know this is not an easy decision. The choices ahead are complex and must be guided by evidence, and that is why we are taking the time to get them right, drawing on data, research and the views of people across the sector and across the country.”
#Freeview #warning #MPs #service #threat #switched
